A recent news report highlights the many benefits that are coming to Walker County, which will soon be home to the newest major interstate in Alabama (I-22). The future interstate, currently known as “Corridor X”, directly links Birmingham to Memphis, TN. “Corridor X” is creating jobs and easier access to natural recreational areas. We want those same benefits and more for North Jefferson.

Just as many benefits are flowing to Walker County from the impending completion of the future I-22, there are many benefits that North Jefferson will realize with the completion of the Northern Beltline. These include an additional $2 billion in economic impact, the creation of nearly 21,000 jobs, and the generation of $54 million in new tax revenues per year.

Alabama’s 13 reports:

Read more the FULL STORY at Alabama’s 13.

Until the federal government began collecting taxes and financing highways in the 20^th century, state governments and the private sector performed that task. The first federal highway act passed in 1916 and, over the years, the federal highway program expanded.

Today, the federal government plays the largest role in transportation policy through its highway programs for state governments and a growing array of regulatory mandates.

One of the most critical regulatory requirements any road project must meet before construction can begin is compilation and approval by the Federal Highway Administration (FHwA) of a federal environmental impact statement (FEIS). The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires a detailed statement of environmental impacts approved by the FHwA, the lead agency in the environmental review process for any federally funded highway project.

Recently, Alabama Senator Richard Shelby acknowledged the importance and impact of the Northern Beltline.

Click here to read the FULL STORY at AL.COM

In late June, the U.S. Congress showed its continuing commitment to the ADHS with passage of the highway reauthorization bill. A provision in the new highway reauthorization bill provides 100% federal funding for ADHS highway projects, eliminating all requirements for state matching funds for ADHS projects for a 10 year period.

Prior to the 2012 legislation, the ARC provided a funding stream to build the Northern Beltline. That funding stream represented an 80% federal investment that required a 20% match from State funds. The new highway bill (MAP-21), however, removes the required State match for a10-year period. In other words, up to the $600 million total that would have been required from the State was released from ADHS obligation. ALDOT may now determine how and where their State funds should and will be spent.

In June, ALDOT filed application with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the permit required before beginning construction on the 3.4 miles of the Northern Beltline between AL Highway 79 and AL Highway 75, the first portion slated for construction.

On Friday, December 21, ALDOT submitted the final data and information necessary to meet the permit requirements under the Clean Water Act.